Military Sexual Trauma (MST) VA Claims: Evidence, Markers and Your Rights

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Military sexual trauma, or MST, is VA’s term for sexual assault or sexual harassment experienced during military service. It affects veterans of every gender, branch, and era. MST itself is not a diagnosis. VA compensates the conditions that result from it, most often PTSD, depression, and anxiety.

Most survivors never reported what happened. VA’s rules are written with that in mind.

What VA compensates

• PTSD
• Depression and anxiety disorders
• Substance use disorders that developed as a result
• Physical conditions resulting from an assault, such as injuries, chronic pain, or sexually transmitted infections
• Conditions secondary to any of the above, such as migraines, sleep problems, or digestive conditions

Mental health conditions are rated under the same formula as any other. See PTSD ratings and depression and anxiety.

What you need to show

1. A current diagnosis
2. Evidence that the event happened in service
3. A medical link between the event and the diagnosis

The second element is where MST claims differ. VA knows these events are rarely documented, so its regulation allows evidence from sources other than your service records.

Evidence VA accepts

Direct evidence, if it exists

• Restricted or unrestricted reports
• Investigation records
• Medical records from treatment after the assault

Evidence from other sources

• Records from civilian police, rape crisis centers, or hospitals
• Counseling or mental health records
• Tests for pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections around the time
• Statements from family, roommates, fellow service members, chaplains, or clergy you confided in
• Journals, letters, emails, or messages from the time

Markers: changes after the event

VA treats a change in behavior as evidence that something happened. Examples the regulation and VA guidance recognize:

• A request for transfer to another unit or duty assignment
• A decline in work performance, or sudden disciplinary problems after a good record
• Substance use that began or increased
• Episodes of depression, panic attacks, or anxiety with no clear cause
• Unexplained changes in economic or social behavior
• Visits to sick call for vague or unexplained complaints
• Relationship problems, a breakup, or divorce
• Changes in weight or eating

You may not think of these as evidence. Look through your personnel file with this list in mind: evaluations before and after, a transfer request, an Article 15, a sudden request for separation.

A VA mental health examiner can review this evidence and give an opinion on whether it indicates that an assault occurred.

How to file an MST claim

1. File VA Form 21-526EZ, online or with a representative. See the filing guide.
2. Complete VA Form 21-0781, the statement about the traumatic event. Give as much detail as you are able to. You do not have to describe everything. Dates can be approximate.
3. Submit what evidence you have. VA will help look for more.
4. Attend the exam.

Submit an Intent to File first if you need time. Going at your own pace does not cost you back pay.

Your rights in the process

• Specially trained staff. MST claims are handled by processors with specific training.
• Choice of gender. You can ask for a male or female MST Outreach Coordinator at the regional office, and state a preference for the examiner’s gender.
• Notice before denial. VA must tell you that evidence from other sources, including markers, can support your claim, and give you the chance to provide it.
• Support at the exam. You can ask to bring a support person.

The C&P exam

This exam can be difficult. Some things that help:

• You do not have to recount every detail of the event. The examiner mainly needs to know what happened in general terms and how it affects you now.
• Focus on your symptoms and their effect on work, relationships, and daily life.
• If the exam is by video and you would prefer in person, or the reverse, ask.
• Plan something supportive for afterward.

See the C&P exam guide.

If you were denied before

Many MST claims were denied in earlier years because the markers were not properly considered. If that happened to you:

• You can file a Supplemental Claim with new evidence, including marker evidence or statements you did not submit before.
• VA has conducted reviews of previously denied MST claims and has invited veterans to ask for a re-review.

See what to do after a denial.

You do not have to do this alone

A Veterans Service Officer can file and manage the claim so that you deal with VA as little as possible. Many organizations have representatives experienced with MST claims. Vet Centers offer confidential counseling. See who can help.

Last reviewed October 2026. This guide is general educational information, not legal or medical advice, and this site is not affiliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Rules and rates change. Confirm details on VA.gov or with an accredited representative. See our disclaimer and editorial policy.